An acoustic neuroma is a benign tumor that's found on the nerve that leads from the patient's brain to his or her inner ear. Although it grows slowly and is non-cancerous, it can cause symptoms like tinnitus and an unsteady gait. In unusual cases, it can cause deafness.
One type of acoustic neuroma treatment besides watchful waiting is a type of operation called a stereotactic radio surgery. This surgery is performed on acoustic neuromas that are growing. The surgery doesn’t use a scalpel, but the doctor treats the tumor with a very accurate and targeted dose of radiation. The patient’s head is held immobile in a frame and the radiation is delivered to the neuroma. The goal is to preserve the patient's hearing, stop the tumor from growing and prevent nerve damage which can lead to partial facial paralysis. The results of this treatment might not be seen for a long time.
Another kind of acoustic neuroma treatment is to have it removed surgically. The patient is put under general anesthesia and the tumor is removed either through the ear or through an opening made in the skull. Depending on the size of the tumor, the doctor may or may not be able to remove all of it.
Home-based acoustic neuroma remedies probably would have no effect on the tumor itself. The best thing for the patient to do is to find support in friends, family and medical professionals and to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle. Continue reading below for tips from Earth Clinic readers who are using natural cures for acoustic neuroma.
